1996 Chevrolet Impala SS--Test Drive Video Review with Chris Moran from Chicago Motor Cars
http://www.SupercarNetwork.com
A 3700 mile MUSEUM PIECE from my friends at the Packey Webb Auto Center! A
real modern-day classic...the 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS! By Chris Moran from
Chicago Motor Cars
The Impala SS was uniquely fitted with a standard 3.08 gear. The
limited-slip rear differential was standard (as opposed to the option G80
on Caprices) and suspension that was an inch lower. A retuned LT1 5.7-liter
(350 cu in) small-block V8 was standard on the Impala SS, making 260 horsepower (190 kW)
and 330 pound-feet (450 N·m) of torque (retuned from the prototype's 300
horsepower (220
kW) rating). The primary difference between the LT1 in the Impala and the
LT1 that was in the Corvette and Camaro was that the Impala engine
was fitted with cast-iron cylinder heads instead of aluminum ones, and a
camshaft that was designed more for low-end torque than high-end horsepower. Another
difference was that the Impala LT1 had 2 bolt main bearing caps while the
Corvette LT1 had 4 bolt main bearing caps. The transmission used in the car
was the 4L60E, which was itself an upgraded and revised version of the
previous 4L60. However, the transmission was not beefed up for the power of
the LT1, and transmission failures after 100,000 miles (160,000 km) were
commonplace.[citation needed] A standard transmission was never available
in the 1994--96 Impala SS. However there is a growing trend of replacing
the 4L60-E transmission, with the T-56 (6 speed manual) from the Camaro and Firebird using
aftermarket kits. Alternatively, a popular enhancement was the addition of
a shift-kit and/or a more aggressive torque converter. Several other cars
in the B-body line also shared a similar powertrain: these were the
Chevrolet Caprice, Buick Roadmaster, and the Cadillac Fleetwood which all
shared the LT1 engine and 4L60E automatic transmission.
1996 Impala SS 4Dr. Sedan
Cosmetically, the Impala SS received body-colored trim, which helped reduce
the sometimes "bloated" look of the standard Caprice, a unique single-bar
grille with no hood ornament and, a rear deck spoiler. It was fitted with
17-inch (430 mm) brushed aluminum wheels with 255/50ZR17 tires. Inside, the
car came with a central console with cup holders (1994 and 1995 models) and
a storage compartment, leather seats embroidered with the Impala SS logo,
and a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel. For the 1994 model year, it
was available only in black with a grey interior. Due to a shortage of the
unique 5-spoke aluminum wheels (manufactured by ROH in Australia), only
6,303 cars were sold. However, the wheel shortage was remedied for the 1995
model year and 21,434 cars were sold.
In 1995, Dark Cherry Metallic and Dark Grey Green were added as exterior
color options, and the body paneling on the rear quarter panel was altered
to reflect the cosmetic effect formerly achieved by a window insert.
Another change from 1994 was the placement of the side mirrors from pods
attached to the door to a larger format attached to the 'A' pillar. 1996
was the last year of production with 41,941 units sold. The 1996 Impala SS
production went late into the model year; the last one being produced on
December 13, 1996. It saw minor interior alterations, with the digital
speedometer being replaced by an analog one, along with a tachometer. The
shifter was moved from the column to the center console, and the engine was
given an OBD-II computer control system (the camshaft was reground to
adjust for the new computer).
A special ceremony was held at the plant on December 13, 1996[2] for M.G.
"Pinky" Randall, a Chevrolet collector from Houghton Lake, Mich., who
bought the last Impala SS. When Randall drove the car with the dark
cherry-metallic paint off the line, he was accompanied by County Judge Tom
Vandergriff in the front passenger seat. In the back Chicago Motor Cars,
Chicago Motor Cars, Chicago Motor Cars, Chicago Motor Cars, Chicago Motor
Cars, Chicago Motor Cars, Chicago Motor Cars, Chicago Motor Cars, Chicago
Motor Cars, Chicago Motor Cars, Chicago Motor Cars, Chicago Motor
Cars.chicago motor cars chicago motor cars chicago motor cars chicago motor
cars chicago motor cars chicago motor cars chicago motor cars chicago motor
cars chicago motor cars chicago motor cars chicago motor cars chicago motor
cars chicago motor cars chicago motor cars chicago motor cars chicago motor
cars chicago motor cars chicago motor cars chicago motor cars chicago motor
cars chicago motor cars www.chicagomotorcars.com